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J. M. SMITH March 31, 19164 TOY 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Feb. 25, 1962FIG. 2.

INVEN TOR. da/N M SM/ TH,

March 3'1, 1964 J. M. SMITH TOY 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 23, 1962NVENTOR. uo/-f/v A4. swf/TH, F/Gl 4u c United States Patent 3,126,670TOY John M. Smith, 108 Broad St., Phillipsburg, NJ. Fired Feb. 23, 1962,ser. No. 175,193 10 Claims. (Cl. 46-240) This invention relates toanimated toys, and in particular to a simulated steep-angle climb by atoy motorcycle.

It is an object of the invention to provide a toy as anoresaid whichprovides to the user an illusion of participation by means of handlebarcontrols for the powered device. Another object is to provide acombination of vehicle and course with no physical connection betweenthe two, thus attaining a high degree of realism. A further object is toprovide a feature in the control means adapted to effect sidewisedeviations oi the vehicle from straight line motionduring its climb. Astill further object is to provide means simulating the sound of amotorcycle engine, in association with the motive power in the toy.

These and other ends, which will be apparent, are attained by thepresent inyeniton, a preferred form of which is described in thefollowing specification, as illustrated in the drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of the toy, showing the vehicle withrider at the bottom of the sloped course,

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the device of FlIGU-RE 1,

FIGURE 3 is a sectional View taken on the plane of the line 3 3 ofFIGURE 2, `and somewhat enlarged in scale,

FIGURE 4 is a rear elevational View orf the device of FIGURE 1, as seenfrom [the right of FIGURE 1, and to the same scale as FIGURE 3,

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view of a detail of the magnet taken on the line5 5 of FIGURE 3, and

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view of a detail beneath the handle barcontrols, taken `on the line 6 6 of FIG- URE 3.

Referring to the drawings by characters of reference, there is shown ahollow structure or enclosure, comprising a at base 10, sides 4152 and14, and Ifront wall 16. This structure m-ay be fabricated from anysuitable material such as wood, metal, plastic, or a combination of-materialsl yIn simulation of a steeply inclined motorcycle course, thetop wall of the structure has an inclined, middle pontion 18, with asmall level area 20 at the top, and a small level area 22 at the bottom.iSide walls 12, 14, and front wall 16 are, off course, shaped and sizedto comport with the three segments of the course.

The toy FIGURE A24, representing a rider mounted on a motorcycle isseparate from the apparatus, but is held upright, and controlled as toposition at :all times by a magnet 26, concealed Within a pocket formedby la partition 28, closely adjacent and parallel to the slant 18 andupper, level wall 20, and open to the rear, and having a lower end wall30. For maximum lateral maneuverability of the rider, the partition wall28 preferably extends lthe full width of the structure, but it will beunderstood that such width is not necessary at the lower end, and Ithepartition wall could, therefore, be fan-shaped, with sides diverging, inthe upward direction, to attain the full width lof the structure at thetop.

The magnet is xed to a carri-age 32, having looiped lower `and upperends 34, 36, which `form the points of contact with partition 28, andtherefore minimize friction. The upper loop 36 carries a bridle 38, towhich is anchored the end of a cord lor cable 411, by means of which themagnet is pulled upward in its cornpartment. The cord 40 passes over apulley 42, carried by a yoke 44 on the outer end orf a boom 46, andleads to rice a winch or take-up shaft 48 within the enclosure. Windupof the cord onto the winch thus supplies the force which urges themagnet, and hence the vehicle and rider, up the incline. The |winch isjournalled in a pair of uprights 50, 52, and is `actuated by alow-powered motor 54, operating from a 110 volt line, dry cells or atransformer. The lleads to the motor are shown at 56, 58, and theapparatus will include a suitable switch. However, control of the winchis mechanical, as will be seen, and the motor may fbe left running for aseries of operations.

For imparting the motor power to the winch the motor shaft carries afriction wheel 6i)l adapted to contact the periphery lof a larger lwheel62 carried by the winch shaft. For this purpose the motor shaft isjournalled in a pair of arms 64, 66 which in turn are journalled on ashaft 68 carried by a pair of ears 70 on the winch standards 50', 52.The force of gravity normally holds drive wheel 6i) out of contact withdriven wheel 62, and in order to effect `wind-up of the cord on thewinch to pull the magnet upward, the motor is swung about shaft 68 bymeans of a control cord 72, connected with an external, manual controlsystem 74 at the front ci the apparatus. The latter is in the form of ahandlebar 7 6, with hand grips 7 8 of suitable material, which has theeffect of giving the operator a feeling oif actual particination in theclimb of the course.

Besides control of the motor, the system 74 is also arranged Ito swingthe boom 46 in azimuth, to cause the vehicle to depart from a straightline course in its ascent. To this end, the central, upright tube Sil of-the handleblar is journalled in a circular opening in the upper Wallsection 22 at the lower level of the course, the tube 8l) having ailange 82 which dwells in the section 22 and limits downward movement ofthe tube. A bearing ring 84 is provided on the tube 80, within theenclosure, and the lower end lof the tube is received in an opening atthe rear end of a horizontal section S6 of the boom 46. This boomsection is secured to tube by la set screw 88 threaded in its end edge,and is so positioned that the bearing ring is #snugly held between theboom section and the inner surface of wall 22. Thus, the hoorn is notonly secured for lmovement in azimuth by the handlebars, but 'alsoserves as a keeper for the journal mounting of the handlebar tube.

For actuating the motor control cord 72, one of the grips 78 carries lanaxial spindle 90 which extends into one end of 'the handlebar tube, andto which the end of cord 72 is anchored, the cord being trained over apulley 92 rotating on a pin 94 carried at the lower end of -tube 811,and passing up through tube Sil and a lateral arm of the handlebar tospindle 90. Turning of spindle 9d by rotation of the grip, 'causes thecord to wind up on the spindle, swinging vthe Imotor until drive wheel56 is brought into contact with driven wheel 62. Since the motor isrunning, this initiates winding of cable 40 on the Winch, and 'themagnet 26 is 1drawn up the incline, carrying with it the motorcycle, therear wheel area of which is locked in its magnetic field. In full-scaleexercises in this sport, it is usual for the vehicle to weave from. sideto side in negotiating a steep incline, and this condition is simulatedby turning the handlebars 76, which swings the boom in azimuth, changingthe direction of the pulling force 'and thus causing the motorcycle tochange direction. Since no operative connections are visible loutwardlyof the system eifects are quite realistic.

Only a very slight turn on the grip is sufficient to permit the wheel 56to fall away from frictional engagement, or to restore it thereto, andtherefore a delicate degree of control is attained. With the frictionclutch inactivated, the magnet may be lowered in its compartment, bymanual return of the rider, or both may return under the influence ofgravity, if the rider is separated from the magnetic field. Descent ofthe magnet causes unwinding of the cord from the winch. If too muchacceleration is imparted, in the ascent of the vehicle, the front wheelWill raise, causing the vehicle to flip and tumble to the bottom of theincline, thus providing another realistic effect.

In order to retain the magnet within its compartment at the top of thecourse, there is provided a keeper in the form of a rubber band 96,mounted on a pair of upright pins 98 located at the ends of thecompartment, just beyond the upper end of the incline, and spanningsubstantially the entire width of the compartment.

In another feature attended with realism, a soundetfect unit is providedin conjunction with the motor, comprising an open-faced resonance boxcarrying a protruding, transversely disposed reed 102, which iscontacted cyclically by a crank arm 104 carried by a hub or collar 166on an end of the motor shaft. This simulates the sound of the motorcycleengine, and the system may be so adjusted that the sound is generatedprior to clutch Contact, as well as during such contact. It follows thatthe sound will be more labored after clutch contact, which is compatiblewith actual conditions, and therefore further productive of realism.

While a certain preferred embodiment has been shown and described,various modifications will be apparent, in the light of this disclosure,and the invention should not, therefore, be deemed as limited, exceptinsofar as shall appear from the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims.

I claim:

l. A toy simulating an inclined vehicle course, comprising an enclosurewith a flat base, a top wall with a low-level area, an inclined area anda high-level area, side walls, a front Wall at said low-level area, andan open rear face at said high-level area, a handlebar with a verticaltube journalled in said top wall within said low-level area, a boomwithin said enclosure having a horizontal portion secured to said tube,and an upwardly slanted portion extending to the level of saidhigh-level area and rearwardly thereof, a pulley carried by the upperend of said boom, a partition within said enclosure arranged inparallelism to said top wall in its inclined area and in its highlevelarea, a mount carrying a magnet, located in the passage between saidpartition and said top wall, a toy vehicle having magneticallyresponsive means adapted for placement on said top wall within the eldof said magnet, a winch within said enclosure and having a driven wheel,a motor swingably mounted within said enclosure and having a drive Wheeladapted to contact said driven wheel, a tow line secured to said magnetmount, trained over said pulley and secured to said winch for windingthereon, a rotatable grip having a spindle extending within saidhandlebar, a pulley carried by said tube of said handlebar, and a towline secured to said spindle, passing through said handlebar, trainedover said latter pulley, and secured to said motor, whereby to swingsaid drive wheel into engagement with said driven wheel.

2. A device as in claim l, said partition extending over substantiallythe entire width of said enclosure at the open face thereof.

3. A toy simulating an inclined vehicle course, cornprising an enclosurewith a Hat base, a top wall with a low-level area, an inclined area anda high-level area, side walls, a front wall at said low-level area, andan open rear face at said high-level area, a handlebar with a verticaltube journalled in said top Wall within said low-level area, a boomwithin said enclosure secured to said tube, and extending to the levelof said high-level area and rearwardly thereof, a pulley carried by theupper end of said boom, a partition within said enclosure arranged inparallelism to said top wall in its inclined area and in its high-levelarea, a mount carrying a magnet, located in the passage between saidpartition and said top wall, a toy vehicle having magneticallyresponsive means adapted for placement on said top wall within the eldof said magnet, a winch within said enclosure and having a driven wheel,a motor swingably mounted within said enclosure and having a drive wheeladapted to contact said driven wheel, a tow line secured to said magnetmount, trained over said pulley and secured to said winch for windingthereon, a rotatable grip having a spindle extending within saidhandlebar, a pulley carried by said tube of said handlebar, and a towline secured to said spindle, passing through said handlebar, trainedover said latter pulley, and secured to said motor, whereby to swingsaid drive wheel into engagement with said driven Wheel.

4. A toy simulating an inclined vehicle course, comprising an enclosurewith a flat base, a top wall with a low-level area, an inclined area anda high-level area, side walls, a front wall at said low-level area, andan open rear face at said high-level area, a handlebar with a verticaltube journalled in said top wall within said low-level area, a boomwithin said enclosure secured to said tube, and extending to the levelof said high-level area and rearwardly thereof, a pulley carried by theupper end of said boom, a partition within said enclosure arranged inparallelism to said top wall in its inclined area and in its highlevelarea, a magnet located in the passage between said partition and saidtop wall, a toy vehicle having magnetically responsive means adapted forplacement on said top wall Within the field of said magnet, a winchwithin said enclosure and having a driven wheel, a motor swingablymounted within said enclosure and having a drive wheel adapted tocontact said driven wheel, a tow line secured to said magnet trainedover said pulley and secured to said winch for winding thereon, arotatable grip having a spindle extending within said handlebar, apulley carried by said tube of said handlebar, and a tow line secured tosaid spindle, passing through said handlebar, trained over said latterpulley, and secured to said motor, whereby to swing said drive wheelinto engagement with said driven wheel.

5. A toy simulating an inclined vehicle course, comprising an enclosurewith a fiat base, a top Wall with a low-level area, an inclined area anda high-level area, side walls, a front wall at said low-level area, andan open rear face at said high-level area, a handlebar with a verticaltube journalled in said top wall within said lowlevel area, a boomwithin said enclosure secured to said tube, and extending to the levelof said high-level area and rearwardly thereof, a pulley carried by theupper end of said boom, a partition Within said enclosure arranged inparallelism to said top wall in its inclined area and in its high-levelarea, a magnet located in the passage between said partition and saidtop Wall, a toy vehicle having magnetically responsive means adapted forplacement on said top wall within the field of said magnet, a winchwithin said enclosure and having a driven wheel, a motor swingablymounted within said enclosure and having a drive Wheel adapted tocontact said driven wheel, a tow line secured to said magnet, trainedover said pulley and secured to said Winch for winding thereon, aspindle carried by said handlebar, a pulley carried by said tube of saidhandlebar, and a tow line secured to said spindle, passing through saidhandlebar, trained over said latter pulley, and secured to said motor,whereby to swing said drive wheel into engagement with said drivenwheel.

6. A toy simulating an inclined vehicle course, comprising an enclosurewith a flat base, a top wall with a low-level area, an inclined area anda high-level area, side walls, a front Wall at said low-level area, andan open rear face at said high-level area, a handlebar with a verticaltube journalled in said top wall within said low-level area, a boomwithin said enclosure secured to said tube, and extending to the levelof said high-level area and rearwardly thereof, a partition within saidenclosure arranged in parallelism to said top wall in its inclined areaand in its high-level area, a magnet located in the passage between`said partition and said top wall, a toy vehicle having magneticallyresponsive means adapted for placement on said top wall within the eldof said magnet, a winch within said enclosure and having a driven wheel,a motor swingably mounted within said enclosure and having a drive wheeladapted to contact said driven wheel, a tow line secured to said magnet,trained over said boom and secured to said winch for winding thereon, aspindle carried by said handlebar, and a tow line secured to saidspindle, passing through said handlebar, and secured to said motor,whereby to swing said drive wheel into engagement with said drivenwheel.

7. A toy simulating an inclined vehicle course, cornprising an enclosurewith a flat base, a top wall with a low-level area, an inclined area anda high-level area, side walls, a front wall at said low level area, andan open rear face at said high-level area, a handle bar with a verticaltube journalled in said top wall within said low-level area, a boomwithin said enclosure secured to said tube, and extending to the levelof said high-level area and rearwardly thereof, a partition within saidenclosure arranged in parallelism to said top wall in its inclined areaand in its high-level area, a magnet located in the passage between saidpartition and said top wall, and adapted to hold, within its eld, a toyvehicle located above said top wall, a winch within said enclosure andhaving a driven wheel, a motor swingably mounted within said enclosureand having a drive wheel adapted to contact said driven wheel, a towline secured to said magnet, trained over said boom and secured to saidwinch for winding thereon, a spindle carried by said handlebar, 30

and a tow line secured to said spindle, passing through said handlebar,and secured to said motor, whereby to swing said drive wheel intoengagement with said driven wheel.

8. A toy simulating an inclined vehicle course comprising an enclosurehaving a top wall with an inclined section, and a partition defining apassage beneath said section, magnetic means freely movable within saidpassage, a winch in said enclosure, having a tow line connected to saidmagnetic means, a boom in said enclosure mounted for swinging movementabout a vertical axis and having guide means for said tow line, controlmeans for said boom having a handling portion outwardly of saidenclosure, a drive motor for said winch, clutch means between said motorand said winch, and control means for said clutch means carried by saidboom control means.

9. A device as in claim 8, said boom control means comprising ahandlebar, and said clutch control means comprising a rotatable grip,and a cord running from said grip to said clutch.

l0. In a device as in claim l, a resilient stop means for said toyvehicle located in the compartment dened by said partition, in theregion of said high-level area.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,447,363 Tozier Mar. 6, 1923 2,673,241 Leonard Mar. 30, 1954 FOREIGNPATENTS 516,305 Italy Feb. 21, 1955

8. A TOY SIMULATING AN INCLINED VEHICLE COURSE COMPRISING AN ENCLOSUREHAVING A TOP WALL WITH AN INCLINED SECTION, AND A PARTION DEFINING APASSAGE BENEATH SAID SECTION, MAGNETIC MEANS FREELY MOVABLE WITHIN SAIDPASSAGE, A WINCH IN SAID ENCLOSURE, HAVING A TOW LINE CONNECTED TO SAIDMAGNETIC MEANS, A BOOM IN SAID ENCLOSURE MOUNTED FOR SWINGING MOVEMENTABOUT A VERTICAL AXIS AND HAVING GUIDE MEANS FOR SAID TOW LINE, CONTROLMEANS FOR SAID BOOM HAVING A HANDLING PORTION OUTWARDLY OF SAIDENCLOSURE, A DRIVE MOTOR FOR SAID WINCH CLUTCH MEANS BETWEEN SAID MOTORAND SAID WINCH, AND CONTROL MEANS FOR SAID CLUTCH MEANS CARRIED BY SAIDBOOM CONTROL MEANS.